In the bottle: Sweet and fragrant sake nose with a hint of melon and peach, there is also a slight hint of nectarine and wild flowers. This being my first sake kasu shochu, it is hard to escape the idea that it what is in the bottle has a much higher alcohol level, it just so smooth. Overall, what is in the bottle does a great job of preparing you for what you will find in the glass.

On the rocks: Unbelievable, this may be what I have been waiting for, as I still enjoy sake; however, it is just too easy to drink too much, with this Kasutori shochu, you get the sake flavors in a glass that you can sip at your own pace. Amabuki starts with a strong melon/peach flavor on the first sip that is intensified like a really strong sake, as this mellows out a bit, you get more of what is on the sweeter side with a few more of the syrupy sake notes coming to the surface. The finish has a mild alcohol tastes that lingers before evening out to more sake tones.

水割り Diluted with water

4:1, 3:2 ratio, The impact of the fruit flavors fades a bit and a little more the alcohol comes through, but still a very nice drink to sip. While not much lingers on the palate, what remains is clean and smooth.  

2:3 ratio, Most of what makes this shōchū so good is completely lost at this point, so not recomended.